Customer Reviews

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We came for the first time yesterday for Sunday lunch and it was absolutely delicious. The pub decor and ambience is lovely and the staff looked after us fantastically. The garden was also lovely to sit out in for a drink before sitting down to eat - even in February, so I imagine it would be gorgeous in the summer!
This pub has now become my number one pub in East Sussex, my second favourite being the Ram in Firle - both have a similar relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, delicious food and lovely staff.

Relaxed Saturday Birthday Lunch

by Mark Dobson on 17 Feb 2019

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Last visited the Jolly Sportsman about 40 years ago when I first moved to Sussex. Really impressed with everything really, great food, the friendliness of the staff, comfort and excellent value for money.
Thank you

What a gem of a restaurant!

by R Giles on 13 Feb 2019

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Beautiful bright room with a view over the lovely gardens, friendly and thoughtful service and mouthwateringly delicious food. The menu is broad with something for everyone - stunning paella, comforting Irish stew, light and perfectly cooked fish in broth...and those were just the things we tried. So many other delicious options to chose from. The pear and apple crumble was divine.
We will be back!

Our favourite place to eat

by Jo on 11 Feb 2019

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We moved to the Ashdown Forest area a year ago and were a bit depressed by the lack of good places to eat. There are pubs with interesting menus but the food was always disappointing. We were recommended to The Jolly Sportsman by our son and wish we had found it earlier. We have been twice now and we think it is really special. We don't eat meat so we can only comment on the vegetarian and fish dishes as well as the desserts but we have had fabulous food both times we have visited. I particularly love the fact that they try to keep to local and seasonal produce. We know that the menu will be changing as spring comes and we will definitely be back. We also love the cosy atmosphere there and the interesting (in a good way) decor. We have now promised our son a meal there as a thank you for the recommendation.

Style AND substance. There is no better place on a wet Winter's evening

by Sascha Loske on 06 Feb 2019

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Another superb evening at the Jolly Sportsman, our favourite choice for a night out, especially on cold, wet Winter evenings. A real fire was crackling, cocooned in the Sussex Downs, fantastic service, and the food didn't disappoint either. We had Sussex paella and Haggis with neeps and tatties as starters, followed by haunch of roe deer. Every component was distinctive and delicious. For first class food and great atmosphere, go here.